A few months ago, Mark Pope paid for hundreds of Kentucky fans’ ice cream at Rupp Arena, and now he is will paying to pay for gas money for them to travel to Milwaukee first Kentucky’s first and second-round games in the NCAA Tournament.

“If anybody is having trouble with gas money, hit me up,” Pope said on his weekly call-in show. “Let’s go. Let’s get all of BBN out there.”

Just minutes later, Pope explained that his executive assistant had already received a “whole slew” of requests via email for gas money, including a University of Kentucky student in Florida on spring break, named Jack.

“That was not a good call on my part,” Pope said. Going on to explain that Jack had requested gas money or a ticket and that he and his girlfriend would make the journey to Milwaukee for the Wildcats’ opening games.

“Listen Jack, here’s the deal, I’m going to try to hit you back man. I’m going to do my best.”

Being a former player and fan of Kentucky, he understands the fanatical-ness of the Wildcat fanbase.

“It is the greatest blessing in the world to be a part of BBN, there is nowhere like it,” Pope exclaimed. “I love it.”

“Gas money for Milwaukee, this is not going to go well.”

Good thing Pope is paid handsomely.

All eyes are on the NCAA Tournament, and for good reason. It is one of the most exciting events in all of sports, and it is what deems a Kentucky basketball season successful or not.

That said, the transfer portal is just days away from opening on Monday, March 24th, and according to Matt Jones of Kentucky Sports Radio, the Wildcats allegedly already have a “stud” prospect coming in next season.

“I was talking to someone at the game tonight, a reporter,” Jones said during a postgame radio show on Friday night. “He wouldn’t tell me who it is, but said there’s one stud they already have.”

As to who that player is, that is speculation. Many players who lost in their conference tournament have already announced their intentions to enter the portal to get a head start but have to wait until March 24th to officially enter and have until it closes on April 22nd to make their decision.

All focus will be on advancing in the NCAA Tournament, but it will be interesting to see how Mark Pope and his staff attack the portal after his first season and with ample time, unlike last offseason.

Kentucky didn’t play to their ability against Alabama. Playing less than 24 hours before, down their starting point guard in Lamont Butler, and their leading scorer in Otega Oweh for an extended period of time, it’s not difficult to see why.

Shortly after the Crimson Tide’s 99-70 win over Kentucky, head coach Nate Oats was asked about their next matchup against the Florida Gators. To which Oats responded with some subtle shade the Wildcats’ way.

“Florida is a lot better team [than Kentucky],” Oats said. “They’re a lot deeper. They’re not missing so many pieces due to injury like Kentucky was. We’re gonna be in for a war tonight.”

While Oats did acknowledge Kentucky’s injuries, the initial comment was very much avoidable.

Against the Gators, Alabama went on to lose forward Grant Nelson and was outscored 57-37 in the second half, ultimately suffering a blowout loss of their own, 104- 82.

Just imagine what would have happened had they been down two starters and a backup point guard.